Amazon’s 10-year-old Alexa may acquire a two-tiered conversational generative AI. This upgrade may require a $5 monthly premium subscription, according Business Insider.
Alexa’s first big update since 2014’s Echo speakers, named “Banyan,” after the abundant ficus trees. The updated assistant is “Remarkable Alexa,” staff remarked.
More than 500 million Alexa-enabled devices will use AI. A rep added “We are working diligently on scaling generative AI within Alexa to provide more proactive, personal, and trusted assistance for our customers.”
Bezos based the voice assistant on Star Trek’s speech computer. It never made a profit delivering weather updates and home appliance control.
CEO Andy Jassy wants to revive Alexa, claim eight unidentified Alexa staff workers. Jassy told shareholders Alexa would become “more intelligent and capable,” but without details, in April.
In August, Amazon will resuscitate Alexa. Sources say Project Banyan may change pricing and release dates.
Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft chatbots can quickly answer complicated questions in phrases. ChatGPT’s late 2022 launch spurred AI investments, temporarily surpassing Amazon in market value.
Alexa is Amazon’s generative AI priority. Amazon’s e-commerce sales haven’t increased due to Alexa’s popularity for setting timers, checking weather, playing music, and answering simple questions. People like seeing before buying.
AI mimics Siri’s conversational enhancements. After the pandemic boosted e-commerce, Amazon laid off Alexa workers in late 2023.
Many employees believe Project Banyan will resuscitate the corporation despite generative AI competition. Amazon senior management says Alexa must build sales strength by 2024.